Sinclair College recently hosted the 16th Annual Appalachian Unsung Hero Awards in Sinclair’s Charity Earley Auditorium. Fifteen community members were awarded this year, including Sinclair Professor Al Wahle (Civil and Architectural Technology), who was nominated by Dr. Steve Johnson, President and CEO of Sinclair.

Attendees of the event included Mayor Gary Leitzell, Commissioner Deborah Lieberman, Valerie Lemmie (District Director for Congressman Mike Turner) and Judge Colette Moorman, along with others who came out to support their friends and family.

"An unsung hero is someone who performs good deeds and builds pride and self-esteem within the Appalachian community, but has gone unnoticed or unrewarded for their exceptional efforts," says Appalachian Outreach and Think College Coordinator Rana Peake. "The Appalachian Outreach department aims to provide support and nurture Appalachian culture awareness throughout Sinclair and the Miami Valley. We truly appreciate and honor the service of all these dedicated individuals."

Award winners from the local community were recognized for their contributions to the Appalachian communities in the Dayton area. Nominees for this award must meet federal Appalachian guidelines or must have demonstrated outstanding service within the Appalachian community.

Sinclair's Appalachian Studies program is the first of its kind in Ohio. It focuses on expanding awareness of rural and urban cultures in the Appalachian regions of the United States.